Church of the Brethren :: Illinois and Wisconsin District

The 2026 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will take place June 28-July 2 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the downtown Grand Wayne Convention Center. The schedule is altered this year, running from Sunday to Thursday. Equipping sessions will be added Sunday afternoon, and Tuesday morning will feature a time of “sparking, serving, and stirring,” as Conference officers anticipate a lighter business agenda. The theme is “Imagine!” Don Fitzkee will serve as moderator. Don recently provided a theme statement at 2026-Annual-Conference-Theme-Statement-updated.pdf. We are working at having him visit the district in spring 2026.

The Annual Conference office recently announced that advance registration for delegates will be $350 and for non-delegates $175. Onsite registration is $425 and $210, respectively. Daily fees are also available for those not attending the full week. A virtual registration option will be available for $220.

The three official conference hotel options will range in cost from $128 to $135 per night plus tax, with a discounted daily parking fee of $8. Annual Conference registration and housing will open to the public on March 4.

Watch for more details at www.brethren.org/ac.

Nominations needed: The work of the church is constant, and I was recently reminded of 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (NASB).

While constantly at work, seasons also change in the church. When it comes to nominations for denominational leadership, the same is true. We have recently come out of a season of great need and great response as we were filling positions on the Review and Evaluation Committee, which is being tasked with some incredibly important work. In our current season, the need is still great, yet the response is underwhelming at best. At the current time we have 20% of the number of nominations we did this time last year. That is not sustainable if we want our ballots to reflect the full depth and breadth of the gifted people in the Church of the Brethren.

I write not just seeking additional nominations, but also with a word for those who have been nominated in the past and not been given the opportunity to serve. I am constantly reminded that God and I do not wear the same watch. His timing and mine are rarely, if ever, the same. I am imploring those who have been nominated in the past and not made it to the final ballot, to be willing to hear the call of your brothers and sisters who are telling you yet again that you have something special to offer the wider church. The same goes for those who have nominated incredibly talented folks in the past and either not had the opportunity to vote for them or have seen the position go to someone else. Do not lose heart or your conviction that the person you nominated is worthy of consideration. Perhaps the time in which they are needed is now.

By the way, the deadline for nominations is December 3rd, so don’t wait! A full list of open positions and digital nomination forms are available at Nominations – Annual Conference.

Humbly submitted, Karl Magenhofer, Nominating Committee Chair

Grants available through the district include the following:

1. Mission and Mortar: Sustaining and developing ministry (mission) within congregations, as well as maintaining property (mortar), is sometimes hindered because of inadequate financial resources. The Illinois/Wisconsin District, whose mission is to support the growth and development of member congregations, desires to financially support congregations that are in good standing with the district and have specific needs. More information can be found here.

2. Being Jesus in the Neighborhood: Congregations can apply for $100 in seed money to start a new outreach project or initiative in their local communities, or to expand an existing one. These should be projects that intentionally engage with the neighborhood immediately around the congregation or, for those in rural locations, with the town or area around the church. Each congregation receiving a grant will be asked to share a little about their project at district conference. More information can be found here.

3. Emerging Missions Fund: To facilitate the growth and establishment of new faith communities, this grant is available for church and ministry planting initiatives. New church and ministry plants are encouraged to apply by contacting the district office and/or the CRDT.

Supporting Your District

The Illinois/Wisconsin District is active in a variety of ministry and mission efforts, both directly and indirectly. Continuing these efforts requires resources in the form of time, tools, knowledge, and especially finances. Consider making a contribution to the district’s general fund or one of its special funds (disaster relief, youth, emerging ministries, etc.). Look for the donate button at iwdcob.org, or send your checks to the district office: 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148.